Title

Author

Project Director

Department Examiner

Eckelmann, Susan; Eigenburg, Helen

Department

Dept. of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

In his book One-Dimensional Man, Herbert Marcuse argues that modern society has lost the ability to critique itself. Contradictions are hidden through manipulative language and protest is suppressed. As a result, Marcuse asserts that our society has become rational in its irrationality, so that contradictions appear logical and even beneficial. Though published in 1964, Marcuse's theory is still relevant today, and is seen in the All Lives Matter movement. As a response to Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter makes the seemingly rational claim that everyone in America is valued equally, and that racial prejudice is a thing of the past. However, these claims are not based on fact, as institutional racism and white privilege still exist. All Lives Matter is an example of uncritical thought that sustains white supremacy by denying its existence.

Degree

B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Date

5-2017

Subject

Racism; Race awareness; Social movements -- United States -- 21st century

Keyword

All Lives Matter; Black Lives Matter; Race; Capitalism; Marxism

Discipline

Sociology

Document Type

Theses

Extent

27 leaves

Language

English

Rights

Under copyright.

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

Recommended Citation

Newell, Elliot, "Irrational in its rationality: a critique of the all lives matter movement and one-dimensional society" (2017). Honors Theses.https://scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses/105